Southern NSW Local Health District

A message from Marg

14 November 2023

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Congratulations to our award-winning staff

I am pleased to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the members of team Southern who were recognised at last night's National Rural & Remote Health Awards at Parliament House in Canberra.

Their passion, dedication, and innovative approaches have had a profound and positive impact on the lives of many, and please join me in acknowledging and celebrating their success.

Dr Corin Miller received the Rural/Remote Health Professional of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions to transforming outpatient paediatric care in Eden. As the Lead GP, she has created the Djing.gii Gudjaagalali Kids Clinic, introducing an innovative model of care that coordinates the care of children and families from the school grounds, linking with local services. Dr Miller's dedication to her work and her commitment to strengthening paediatric primary care in rural Australia are truly commendable.

Acting Manager of Aged Care and Disability Programs Janice Dalton took away the Rural/Remote Aged and Disability Carer of the Year Award. Janice manages a diverse portfolio of programs. Notably, Janice played a pivotal role in the success of the recent Transitional Aged Care Program redesign project. This initiative, aimed at assisting individuals in hospital to return home and stay there for as long as possible, resulted in a substantial reduction in hospital readmissions and an increased reported ability by consumers to enjoy their lives.

I’d also like to acknowledge Manager Aboriginal Workforce and Development Shirlena Gallagher, Finalist in the competitive Rural/Remote Health Advocate of the Year, for her work improving cultural safety for Aboriginal people in Southern, and the broader Djing.gii Gudjaagalali Kids Clinic partnership team, including Wellbeing and Health In-reach Nurse Nicole Bax, psychologist Terra Harrison, Eden High School Principal Viv Chelin and Student Support Officers Michele Polach and Anna McAmish.

This Thursday is the NSW Health Excellence in Nursing & Midwifery Awards. Again, Southern is proudly represented, with three staff members announced as finalists. Leanne Ovington, Hannah Bird and Sharelle Anderson will all be heading to NSW Parliament House for the awards, and I wish them the best of luck.

Please join me in congratulating our finalists and winners for their exceptional contributions to healthcare in rural Australia.

With thanks,

— Marg Bennett

Chief Executive

In the true spirit of Reconciliation and through embracing the values of collaboration, openness, respect and empowerment, Southern NSW Local Health District acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians of the land; the Gundungurra, Ngambri, Ngarigo, Ngunnawal and Yuin peoples. 

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